Certain low-level spells are disabled when you start a new party in E3, so that you can earn them as rewards. Fresh BoE parties have access to all low-level spells. Is there a way to change that, or is it too hard coded?

I don't know if this is useful, but there's a text FAQ on Dark Souls II (for the Xbox version, but it could apply for your PC version) on GameFAQs. You should be able to open it up using Notepad/WordPad, and it shouldn't take up a lot of your memory. Of course, maybe you've tried that FAQ already and dislike it...?
Here's the link: http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/693333-dark-souls-ii/faqs/69278